Volcan San Francisco

San Francisco is an inactive volcano at 6050 meters above sea level in the Catamarca province, which borders Chile on the southeast side of the International Pass of San Francisco.

Its ascent is realized along the northwestern face and from it you can enjoy a marvelous view of the Laguna Verde (green lagoon) and the nearby volcanoes that are part of the volcanic chain Ojos del Salado such as Incahuasi, Walter Penk and Tres Cruces.

During the hike we will enjoy a view of guanacos, llamas and condors that are characteristic of the area. There are also many aguas termales hot springsnearby.

ITINERARY

Duration: 7 days

Arrival and departure from Fiambalá

Day 1: Fiambalá – Las Grutas

Day 2: Day of acclimatization in Las Grutas

Day 3: International Pass of San Francisco- refuge 5

Day 4: Refuge 5 – Campsite 1

Day 5: Campsite 1 – Summit – Campsite 1

Day 6: Campsite 6 – Fiambalá

Day 7: Extra day

* The guide and company can modify the schedule of the ascent in accordance with the group’s needs and the climatic conditions.

Day 1: Fiambalá – Las Grutas (“The Caverns”)

Leaving Fiambalá along Route 60 we will arrive at the gendarmerie refuge that will be our beginning point and logistical center for the ascent.

Day 2: Day of acclimatization in Las Grutas

We will visit the thermal waters or hot springs? near the refuge. Light hiking due to acclimatization.

Day 3: International Pass of San Francisco- refuge 5

In search of a higher altitude for better acclimatization we will head to refuge number 5 (Route 60), located in the San Francisco International Pass. From here we will enjoy the route as we ascend the mountain.

Day 4: Refuge 5 – Campsite 1

We will ascend to campsite 1 after 7 hours of hiking, reaching 5100 meters above sea level. We will camp here for the night and enjoy the incredible view of the Green Lagoon or lake? and nearby mountains.

Day 5: Campsite 1 – Summit – Campsite 1

After passing through the fabulous crater of the volcano we will reach the international summit and begin our descent. We will spend the night in campsite 1.

Day 6: Campsite 6 – Fiambalá

Return to Fiambalá and rest in the hot springs of the town.

Day 7: Extra day

Extra day in case of bad weather

INCLUDED SERVICES

Transportation from Fiambalá to Las Grutas and from Las Grutas to refuge 5

Professional guide and assistant during the entire expedition

Two nights of accommodation in Fiambalá

Accommodation in Las Grutas refuge

Food during the entire expedition

Altitude tents

VFH

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to and from Fiambalá

Personal equipment

Personal medication for individual clients (although we do have a first aid kit)

Extra nights of accommodation in Fiambalá

Any additional cost if the some one decides to leave the expedition early